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List of First Nations peoples facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This is a list of some of the many amazing First Nations groups in Canada. These groups are part of the original peoples who lived on this land for thousands of years. This list focuses only on First Nations people and does not include Métis or Canadian Inuit groups. The areas described here are based on how experts like Edward Sapir organized different cultural groups.

Coastal Communities of the Northwest

These First Nations traditionally lived along the Pacific coast. They were skilled at fishing, especially for salmon and eulachon (a type of fish). They also gathered roots and berries. Recent discoveries show they even created special "clam gardens" to grow more clams! The thick forests of the Pacific helped them build large canoes and homes from strong wooden planks. They used tools made from stone and wood. Many of these groups are famous for creating beautiful totem poles. In 2000, the Nisga'a people in British Columbia reached an agreement with the government, getting back over 2,000 square kilometres of their traditional land.

Some of the main groups include:

Plains First Nations

The First Nations of the Plains traditionally lived in tipis, which were homes covered with animal skins. Their main food source was the bison, also known as buffalo. They used every part of the bison for food, clothing, and tools. Some Plains leaders wore amazing headdresses made of feathers.

Some of the main groups include:

Plateau First Nations

The Plateau region is found between the coastal mountains and the Rocky Mountains. The First Nations here adapted to a different environment, using resources from rivers, lakes, and forests.

Some of the main groups include:

Western Subarctic First Nations

These First Nations live in the vast boreal forest across Canada's western provinces and territories. They were traditionally hunter-gatherers, relying on animals like caribou and moose. The fur trade also became very important to them. Most of these groups speak Athapaskan languages, except for the Crees and Inland Tlingit.

Some of the main groups include:

Woodlands and Eastern Subarctic First Nations

These First Nations live in the forests of central and eastern Canada.

Some of the main groups include:

Atlantic Coastal Region First Nations

These groups live along Canada's Atlantic coast.

St. Lawrence River Valley First Nations

The largest First Nations group near the St. Lawrence River is the Iroquois. This area also includes the Wyandot (formerly known as Huron) from central Ontario.

Some of the main groups include:

See also

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List of First Nations peoples Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.